Saving Crayford’s Heritage

SAVING CRAYFORD’S HERITAGE

UPDATE NO 3 – April 2018

 

Hello Everyone!

How quickly the time has passed since our last update.  Christmas and Easter have come and gone and we’re now looking forward to the summer!

The church repairs were completed on schedule and the contractors have done a marvellous job.  The scope of the repairs included in the original brief increased as once the work begun further areas of damage and decay were uncovered and had to be included. For the future there is still much repair work remaining and plans for this will be considered in due course.

The archaeologists were present on site for some weeks and amongst the finds was some pottery, clay pipes and the remains of Roman foundations.  We are hoping to be able to display some of the finds in future so everyone can enjoy seeing them.  When progress has been made on this, details will be posted on our website.

Some of you may already know we are holding a church open day on May 5th from 10am – 3pm.  Please come along and join in our activities and have a look at the work that has been undertaken!

We look forward to meeting you.

 

ST PAULINUS CHURCH REPAIR PROJECT

 

UPDATE 2 – SEPTEMBER 2017

Hello Everyone

The Project Team has now received more detailed information from contractors and architects regarding the implications for us of the work to be undertaken and I’m sure you understand there will be disruption within the church and it will be very dusty at times.   Also the Lady Chapel will be sealed off whilst the repair is made to the ceiling and there will be periods when there will be no access to the chancel.  The main altar will be covered by the contractors every Monday morning and will remain covered until Friday evening when the covers will be taken off ready for Sunday.

We have had to arrange for the organ to be covered for the duration of the project (but it will still be possible to play it), and holding repairs to the reredos (the wall tiles) will be made to ensure that no further damage occurs during the project. The Friends of St Paulinus are funding the holding repairs for us at a cost of £1,200 and we thank them once again for their generosity.   Also throughout the internal work period, with the exception of major services, there will be no flowers in church.  This has been agreed with the Flower Ladies who are very grateful for a period of respite as they are so very few in numbers now.

So with some of these things in mind it has been decided that the following changes to services will be made:

  • Wednesday Morning Service – as the children usually join with the congregation in church, we felt it’s not going to be the best environment for young children. So it would seem sensible for us to hold the service in the school hall where it will be more comfortable for everyone.
  • Thursday Morning Service – it is hoped that Toddler Church will be held in the Youth Hall and then continue into the normal playtime activities.  Nicky Fry will be liaising with Lisa Rutter to explore the possibilities of what might be achieved.
  • Thursday Evening Service – unfortunately will be cancelled.
  • Friday Morning Service – will also be cancelled as the Youth Hall is already booked out in the mornings.

The contractors have said the internal work should be completed within 6 – 8 weeks and again, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you all for your co-operation.

With Best Wishes

Church Repair Project Team

 


 ST PAULINUS CHURCH REPAIR PROJECT

 Welcome to our first online project page which we hope will be the first of many!

The ancient church of St Paulinus is in urgent need of repair if we are to safeguard its architectural significance for future generations and we are going to take action!.

How are we going to do this?

It’s an exciting time here at St Paulinus Church! We have been successful in securing a First Round Pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). This means that the project meets HLF criteria for funding and that HLF believes the project has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value. We have been awarded a development grant to plan our project, employ architects and other professionals to carry out preliminary surveys and inspections. The proposed works will include improvements to the drainage system to alleviate dampness issues, make repairs to the ancient stonework, internal plasterwork, Lady Chapel ceiling and improvements to the accessibility of the building.

We have now reached the point where our planning is complete and we have submitted the Second Round Application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a further grant to fund the work that has been planned.

 

How may you help us?

There are a number of ways in which you could become involved with the project should you wish to and we would welcome your involvement.  This project is about safeguarding a Grade 2* listed building of architectural significance for future generations to enjoy and you do not have to be a member of the congregation to become involved.  Anyone can help by just visiting the church, or to volunteer to become involved in the project’s activities one of which is an Open Day.  If you are unable to become physically involved you may wish to consider continuing to visit us online as we aim to make regular updates on our progress.  You may want to support us by making a donation to the project fund as we have to, in addition to any grant award, raise our contribution to the works.  Should you choose to make a donation please make cheques payable to ‘St Paulinus PCC Crayford’ and send to the Parish Office, 8A Iron Mill Lane, Crayford.  Please mark your envelope ‘Church Repair Project’.

Thank you for taking the time to read our project news – we do hope you have enjoyed it.  Please stay a little longer and look at the photographs showing some of the areas of repair work that will be included. Perhaps you would share the information with your family, friends and neighbours to raise awareness to our work.

With grateful thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund and to all those who play the lottery because without the players there would be no fund.

St Paulinus Church Project Repair Team

 

Here are some photos of the damage to our church